“We’ve found it; and after it has been lying here ever since the world began,” said Tregelly, “it isn’t likely to fly away now, and nobody’s going to take it away from us. First thing is, have we got as much on our claim as ever we’re likely to want?”
“More,” said Dallas; “and I propose that one of us goes down to the old spot to give the news to Norton and our old friends, that they may come and be the first to take up claims.”
“That is what I meant to propose,” said Abel.
“Good nails driven in, and I clinch them,” said Tregelly. “Only look here: I always like to do a good turn to a man who means well.”
“Of course,” said Dallas; “but what do you mean?”
“There’s that judge. I think he ought to have a pull out of this, too. He nearly hung us up on a tree, but he meant well, and it was all for law and order. What I propose is this. We’ll make our own claims sure, and get our friends up to secure theirs; and then let’s tell the judge, and he’ll come up with a picked lot to keep all right.”
“Excellent,” said Dallas. “But who goes down first to see about stores?”
“I will, my sons. I’m strongest, and as to bringing up plenty, I shall have plenty ready to help. But I say, play fair; you won’t run away with my third while I’m gone?”
Tregelly started down the ravine in company with Scruff the very next day, and many more had not elapsed before he was back with the whole party from their old workings, eager to congratulate the fortunate discoverers and place ample stores at their service.
They had just time to get up another supply, enough for the coming winter, before it seemed to sweep down like a black veil from the northern mountains.